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While the US Department of State maintains an active travel warning for American citizens interested in traveling to Colombia, citing violent crime and kidnapping related to the drug trade as potential threats, record numbers of Americans have been visiting this South American country. You can, too; just plan wisely with this guide.

Logistics

American citizens visiting Colombia will need to present a passport upon entry; however, no visa is required. Visitors may be asked to show their return ticket as proof that they do not intend to stay in the country for more than 60 days. When leaving the country, you will need to pay a departure tax. The cost varies based on the current exchange rate, but tends to fluctuate between $50 and $70, according to the US Department of State.

Cities

The capital of Colombia is Bogota, which is also the country's most densely populated city. Bogota is cosmopolitan and has often been called the "Athens of South America" since a local monsignor called it such in 1895. Today, the city preserves many of its historical treasures, including gorgeous buildings dating to the colonial period, while simultaneously embracing modern architecture and ideas. Cartagena, located on the Caribbean coast, evokes other colonial Latin American ports, such as Old San Juan, Puerto Rico and Havana, Cuba. Travelers enjoy Cartagena's steeped in history vibe and its welcoming climate. Cali, Colombia's third largest city, is located in the west and is often compared to Bogota as a trend-setting urban hub. Also among Colombia's big and most visited cities is Medellin, which is particularly popular among art lovers.

Attractions

Beyond Colombia's thriving cities are dozens of destinations that will appeal to the adventure and outdoor traveler. Though it's one of the most popular stops on travelers' itineraries, Tayrona National Park is still relatively pristine and you're likely to have a generous stretch of beach to yourself. Flora and fauna lovers will enjoy more than the beach here; the 58-mile Tayrona is home to monkeys and tropical birds, as well as rare species of flowers. Travelers who enjoy getting off the beaten path should head across the Magdalena River to Mompox. This UNESCO World Heritage site is rumored to be the inspiration for Nobel Prize winning novelist Gabriel Garcia Marquez's fictional town of Macondo. History does come alive here; a particularly exciting time to visit is during the annual bull runs, or corralejas, which happen every summer.

Safety

Colombia's new tourism motto is "The only risk is wanting to stay," and most travelers would agree that's true. Drug trafficking and violence remain problems in this country; however, they typically affect locals with direct involvement in the drug trade. As a visitor to Colombia, you should take the same safety precautions you would take traveling anywhere unfamiliar to you. The US Department of State recommends registering with the local embassy upon arrival and avoiding night travel and overland travel (travel by air is recommend instead). Carrying large amounts of cash is discouraged, as is wearing valuable, flashy jewelry or displaying other expensive items. Informing a trusted friend or family member about your in-country travel plans is advised.

Planning

Major credit cards are accepted in cities, though may be rejected in favor of cash in rural areas. You'll want to let your bank know of your travel dates, as many US banks suspend card service when the card is used abroad. Other services, such as pharmacies, vary depending upon location; again, the more remote you are, the more likely you'll encounter difficulty with a task like getting a medication refill. Other pre-trip logistics include getting vaccinated for yellow fever if you plan to visit the coast. You may want to bring anti-malaria pills, anti-diarrhea medication, and a steri-pen to ward off common illnesses caused by mosquitoes and water-borne bacteria.

References

Resources

About the Author

Julie Schwietert is a bilingual writer and editor whose primary focus is travel writing with a cultural emphasis. She is a contributing writer for Fodor's guides and has been published by numerous magazines, both print and online. She has a Bachelor of Arts in English and women's studies, a master's in social work, and has completed doctoral work in Latin American literature in Spanish.

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